Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison
On Wednesday evening (29 August 2018) I took my six year old daughter to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre to watch Awful Auntie. This play has been adapted for the stage by Neal Foster from David Walliams’ fantastic book of the same name. My daughter has recently discovered David Walliams stories so she was very excited to be introduced to more of his interesting characters.
The story begins with us meeting Stella Saxby, played by Georgina Leonidas and Aunt Alberta, played Richard James. We discover, at the same time as Stella, that Stella’s parents have been killed in a car accident. However as we soon come to realise Aunt Alberta may have had a hand in this accident and Stella’s home and her life may also be in danger! Along the way we are introduced to Soot, the friendly ghost of Saxby Hall played by Ashley Cousins. Soot and Stella set out to investigate her parents death and discover what Aunt Alberta is up to however their efforts are constantly thwarted by Wagner the Owl, Aunt Alberta’s henchman. Wagner is brought to life by puppeteer Roberta Bellekom. In amongst all the tension and drama we are provided with a little light relief through the character of Gibbon, played by Harry Sutherland, who is the only servant left at Saxby Hall.
The flow of the story was seamless as, thanks to a very clever set, the action moved from room to room with the characters meaning we saw all the drama unfold in real time.This brilliant stage design added to the suspense in the story. My daughter was amazed by the twisting towers.
As with many David Walliams stories Awful Auntie has a perfect mixture of drama and comedy which really comes to life when seen on the stage. There are parts that may be a little too dark for younger or more sensitive children but my daughter loved it. Our favourite scene was when Stella and Soot play pranks on Aunt Alberta, I am a little worried that it’s given my daughter some ideas though! This was a brilliant play full of imagination that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £13 to £27.50 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Awful Auntie is at the Liverpool Empire from 29 August to 2 September 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
